WWDC 2018: Apple confirms it will not merge iOS and macOS, putting an end to a longstanding rumor.

At WWDC 2018, Apple announced macOS 10.4, the new version of its desktop operating system. At the annual developer conference in California, Apple introduced macOS 10.14 by using words like a huge leap forward in the world of computing.

Apple announced macOS updates after introducing iOS 12, watchOS 5 and tvOS, suggesting how priority of its desktop OS has changed for the company over the past few years. The new version of macOS is called Mojave and it brings a lot of the under-the-hood developments to the desktop ecosystem and CEO Tim Cook described it “chock full of new features.”

The new version of macOS brings system-wide dark mode which not only turns the user interface dark but also switches the wallpaper and content of windows. On macOS 10.14 Mojave, Apple is bringing dark mode to Xcode, which has been particularly lauded by developer community.

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Apple is also bringing desktop stacks, a new system where files get stacked together into an organized folder. The feature seems to be intended to clean up the mess all the mac users you know. In order to add a file to the stack, you simply need to drag that file to the desktop. Apple is making easier to take screenshots by adopting the mechanism from iOS.

On macOS Mojave, when you take a screenshot, it will appear in the lower right corner and when you click it, you will get that markup option. In addition to screenshot, Apple is also making it easier to record your screen using QuickTime app. The update also brings improvement to Continuity in the form of Continuity Camera.

With Continuity camera, you can take a photo and it will immediately appear on the Mac. The feature allows you to take photos with your phone camera and see those images directly on Mac. Apple is also bringing the News and Stocks app alongside support for Voice Memos.

The update also brings an all new file system and option for a new windowing service. There is also integration with smart home devices and new protection to prevent apps from accessing your information without consent. Apple is also using WWDC as the stage to introduce redesigned Mac App Store with a sidebar on the left and big section for editorial. The sections are named as Discover, Create, Work, Play, Develop, Categories, Updates.

At the event, Apple also announced that it is bringing Group FaceTime with support for simultaneous video calls with up to 32 people. The feature will be available on iOS and macOS and work on iPhone, iPad and Mac. The company also showcased graphics improvement with Metal API and Create ML, a new tool for machine learning training on Mac.

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Another major change this year is the cross-platform framework that will allow developers to easily offer their apps across both iOS and macOS. Apple said it turned some of its iOS apps using the same technology. The new News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home are ported directly from iOS. This is one of the biggest updates for Mac in a long time but there seems to be little in store for developers.

While Apple is making it easier to port apps to macOS, it is shying away from detailing the monetization plan which remains a concern for developers. Apple says developer beta will be out after the keynote and update will roll out in fall.